Do we know what the Wow! signal was? episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 4, 2025 · 4 MIN

Do we know what the Wow! signal was?

from Question of the Week, from the Naked Scientists · host Dr Chris Smith

In 1977, astronomer Jerry Ehman detected a narrowband radio signal, far stronger than any that have been recorded before or since, using Ohio State University's Big Ear telescope as it was pointing in the direction of the Saggitarius constellation. Listener to the show, Donald, wants to know if any consensus has been reached as to the origin of the signal, which James Tytko sought to find out with the help of former BBC science editor, David Whitehouse. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

In 1977, astronomer Jerry Ehman detected a narrowband radio signal, far stronger than any that have been recorded before or since, using Ohio State University's Big Ear telescope as it was pointing in the direction of the Saggitarius constellation. Listener to the show, Donald, wants to know if any consensus has been reached as to the origin of the signal, which James Tytko sought to find out with the help of former BBC science editor, David Whitehouse. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

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Do we know what the Wow! signal was?

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This episode is 4 minutes long.

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This episode was published on April 4, 2025.

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In 1977, astronomer Jerry Ehman detected a narrowband radio signal, far stronger than any that have been recorded before or since, using Ohio State University's Big Ear telescope as it was pointing in the direction of the Saggitarius constellation....

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